04/09/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • Planning & Zoning Board April 9, 1997 Page 21 Mr. Robinson made a MOTION to approve a variance of 3 feet to allow a wheelchair entrance access to be built 7 feet from the septic system at 850 Orange Street. He was supported by Ms. Dahl. The motion carried, 6 -0. G. Comprehensive Plan, Districts I and II, PUBLIC HEARING Chair Schaps declared the hearing open at 9:30 p.m. Mr. Brixius stated that the proposed update to the Comprehensive Plan is part of the metropolitan regional planning mandate to be completed by 1998. It is not anticipated that the entire plan will be done for another year. However, specific attention to Districts I and II is needed for the development of the new village and town center. The study area for planning District I is bounded by the I- 35W /Highway 23 interchange, 4th Avenue, 77th Street and the regional park. This area has historically been identified as the potential economic development area for commercial and industrial development. The primary issue in this area relates to transportation, such as access to I -35W, the capacity needed for the future and a future traffic signal at I -35W and Highway 23. It is anticipated that Highway 23 will become a major thoroughfare through the community. The land uses under review reflect existing land uses with some modifications. The area is currently zoned rural /single family residential. With the expansion of Apollo Industrial Park, it is anticipated that medium to high density residential will be appropriate. The northeast quadrant is shown to continue with commercial zoning as it currently exists. The land use designation for the southwest corner is light industrial with controlled access points onto Highway 23. The most unique area is the southeast quadrant where the town center is intended to be located, and a variety of land uses are needed -- commercial development will provide the village feeling; medium density residential is shown on the eastern border; the existing single family residential will be maintained on Marshan Lane and to the south. Mr. Brixius stated that District II contains the Highway 49 corridor area, which is now Highway 23 with the transfer of jurisdiction from the state to the county. New development of the middle school has brought focus to transportation considerations in that area also. District II is bounded by I -35W on the north, the regional park on the east, the City of Circle Pines on the west and the regional park to the south. The transportation issues are related to the City's ability to establish convenient access points along Highway 23 for area residents. Redevelopment can only occur at the time sewer becomes available. The District land uses include existing sewered residential neighborhoods, medium density development, senior housing, public uses, such as churches and school as a transition from the freeway to residential areas. A limited commercial area is shown along Hodgson Road and Highway 23 that will be compatible with residential neighborhoods. The seaplane base raises two issues: 1) the question of what would be the appropriate land use in that vicinity, and 2) whether general business would be an appropriate land use with the residential area. A performance based land use area was established that would require